Celebrating 85 years!
The United Church of Canada was inaugurated on June 10, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario, when the Methodist Church, Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, and 70 per cent of the Presbyterian Church in Canada entered into an organic union. Joining as well was the small General Council of Union Churches, centred largely in Western Canada. It was the first union of churches in the world to cross historical denominational lines and hence received international acclaim.
On Sunday, June 6, 2010 United Churches across Canada celebrated this special
85th Anniversary together in their Sunday worship. In particular, a common loaf was created by Wilmot United Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick, blending flour from mills across the land. Portions of this loaf were sent to each United Church and baked for the communion portion of the service on this Sunday.
Trinity’s choir presented 2 anthems, including the popular hymn sung at that first service 85 years ago, ‘The Church’s One Foundation’. Stories were shared to begin our service by members of the congregation about our beginnings, the union, and Trinity’s place in it all.
Part of the service included the confirmation of Cailyn Nicole Smidt.
Our children participated in the ‘Watery blessing’ of all present. An evergreen sprig was dipped by each child in the Baptismal Font water and then everyone was offered a ‘watery blessing’ with the words: ‘Jesus loves you’.
Following the worship service a pot luck lunch offered an abundance of food to be shared with more stories from Trinity’s past. And then the famous ‘Super Sundae Sunday’, one of the longest sundaes ever, was enjoyed by all!
Super Sundaes for everyone!
This Sunday was the first for the beautiful Pulpit hanging, a gift from Judy Hall and family. It originally hung in Gesto United Church, Essex Presbytery. Gesto United Church was closed in 2008. Thank you, Judy and family!
